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2 Timothy
Chapter Two
2 Timothy 2
The truth was the especial treasure committed to him; and
he has not only to keep it, as we have seen, but to take care that it was
propagated and communicated to others after him, and perhaps still farther.
That which he had heard from Paul in the presence of many witnesses (who could
confirm Timothy in his convictions respecting the truth, and certify others
that it was indeed what he had received from Paul) he was to communicate to
faithful men, who were capable of teaching others. This was the ordinary means.
It is not the Spirit in the assembly, so that the assembly was an authority; it
is no longer revelation. Timothy, well instructed in the doctrine preached by
the apostle, and confirmed in his views by many other witnesses who had
likewise learned of Paul, so that it was common to all as known, received
truth, was to take care that it should be communicated to other faithful men.
Neither had this anything to do with giving them authority, with consecrating
them, as has been said. It is the communication to them of the truth which he
had received from Paul.
This procedure shuts out the idea of the assembly as the propagator of
the truth. It was the business of the faithful son in the faith of the apostle,
of the ministry.
Timothy himself was not an authority either. He was an
instrument for the communication of the truth and was to enable others to be so
likewise: a very different thing from being the rule of the truth. That which
he had heard-and the other witnesses served as a guarantee against the
introduction of anything false, or even of his own opinions, if he had been
inclined to entertain them-that he was to communicate.
It is thus that, in the ordinary sense, ministry is
continued; care is taken by competent persons for the communication, not of
authority, but of the truth, to other faithful persons. God can raise up any
one whom He chooses, and give him the energy of His Spirit; and where this is
found, there is power and an effectual work: but the passage we are considering
supposes the careful communication of the truth to persons fit for this work.
Both principles equally shut out the idea of the communication of official
authority, and the idea of the assembly being either an authority with regard
to the faith or the propagator of the truth. If God raised up whom He pleased,
in whatever way He pleased, the means which He employed (when there was no
special operation on His part) was to cause the truth to be communicated to
individuals capable of propagating it. This is a widely different thing from
bestowing authority, or the exclusive or official right to preach. And it was
known, revealed truth he was to communicate, that had the direct authority of
revelation-what Paul's writings can alone furnish us now, or of course other
inspired writings.
The apostle goes on to shew the qualities that Timothy
ought to possess, in order to carry on the work amid the circumstances that
surrounded him, and in which the assembly itself was found. He must know how to
endure hardships, vexations, difficulties, sorrows, as a good soldier of Jesus
Christ; he must beware of entangling himself with the affairs of life. A
soldier, when in service, could not do so, but must be free from every
hindrance, that he may please the one who had called him to arms. So also, as
in the lists, he must fight according to rule, according to that which became
the Lord's servant and was conformable to the Lord's will. And he must labour
first, that he may have a right to enjoy the fruit of his labour. These are the
practical conditions of divine service for whosoever engages in it. He must
endure, be unentangled in the world, fight lawful]y [1] before he looked for fruits. The apostle
returns to the elementary but fundamental principles of the truth, and to the
sufferings of ministry, which moreover were in nowise a hindrance to the
operations of the Spirit of God in extending the sphere in which the truth was
propagated, and the word of God made known. Nothing could restrain the power of
that instrument of the work of God.
The truth of the gospel (dogma is not the subject here) was divided
into two parts, of which the apostle speaks also in the Epistle to the Romans:
the fulfillment of the promises; and the power of God in resurrection.
"Jesus Christ, of the seed of David; raised from the dead." These, in
fact, are, as it were, the two pivots of the truth: God faithful to His
promises (shewn especially in connection with the Jews); and God mighty to
produce an entirely new thing by His creative and quickening power, as
manifested in the resurrection, which also put the seal of God upon the Person
and the work of Christ.
The afflictions found in the path of service in the
gospel assume here a high and peculiar character in the mind of the suffering
and blessed apostle. It is participation in the sufferings of Christ, and, in
the case of Paul, to a very remarkable degree. The expressions he uses are such
as might be employed in speaking of Christ Himself as regards His love. As to
the propitiation, naturally no other could take part in that: but in
devotedness, and in suffering for love and for righteousness, we have the
privilege of suffering with Him. And here what part had the apostle with those
sufferings? " I endure," He says, " all things for the elect's
sakes." This is truly what the Lord did. The apostle trod closely on His
footsteps, and with the same purpose of love-"that they might obtain the
salvation which is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory." Here of course
the apostle has to add, " which is in Christ Jesus; "still, the
language is marvelous in the lips of any other person than the Lord Himself.
For it is what Christ did. Observe also here, that the greater the sufferings
are (how small are ours on this account!) as the fruits of this love for the
objects of the counsels of God, the greater is our privilege, the more do we
participate in that which was the glory of Christ here below.
This thought sustains the soul in affliction of this
kind: one has the same object as the Lord Himself. The energy of love in
preaching the gospel addresses itself to the whole world. Perseverance, in the
midst of affliction and difficulties and desertion, is sustained by the feeling
that one is laboring for the accomplishment of God's counsels. One endures all
things for the elect, for God's elect, in order that they may have salvation
and eternal glory. This feeling was in Paul's heart. He knew the love of God,
and he sought-at the cost of whatever suffering it might be in the tumultuous
sea of this world-that they who were the objects of the same love should enjoy
the salvation and the glory which God bestowed. This was a faithful saying,
that is, that which he had just declared; for if we should die with Christ, we
should also live with Him; if we should suffer, we should also reign with Him.
If any denied Him, He would also deny them; the consequences of such an act
remained in all their force, they were linked with the immutability of His
nature and His being, and were displayed in the authority of His judgment; He
could not deny Himself because others were unfaithful. Timothy was strengthened
to maintain these great principles, which belonged to the moral nature of the
Lord, and not allow himself to be drawn aside by speculations which only
subverted souls and corrupted the faith. He was to shew himself a workman
approved of God, one who, being filled with the truth, and knowing how to
unfold it in its various parts, according to the mind and purpose of God would
not be ashamed of his work in the presence of those who might judge it. The
profane and useless thoughts of human speculation he was to avoid. They could
not but go on to produce ungodliness. They might have a great show of depth and
height (as in the case of the assertion, that the resurrection had already
taken place, which in a fleshly way went beyond all bounds with regard to our
position in Christ)-these doctrines which eat like a canker. Those of whom the
apostle spoke had already overthrown the faith of some, that is, their
conviction as to the truth and profession of the truth. But here the soul of
the apostle found its refuge in that which is immutable, be the failure of the
assembly or man's unfaithfulness ever so great. The sure foundation of God
remained. It had this seal: the Lord knew them that were His. This was God's
side, which nothing could touch. [2] The other was man's--he who professed the
name of the Lord was to depart from all iniquity. This was man's
responsibility, but it characterised the work and fruit of grace wherever that
work was genuine and the true fruit borne.
But here we have distinct evidence of the state of things
which this epistle contemplates; namely that the outward assembly had taken
quite a new character, very different from that which it had at the beginning;
and that now the individual was thrown upon his personal faithfulness as a
resource, and as a means of escape from the general corruption. The sure
foundation of God remained-His divine knowledge of those that are His; and
individual separation from all evil; but the outward assembly assumes, in the
eyes of the apostle, the character of a great house. All kinds of things are
found in it, vessels of honour and vessels of dishonour, precious and vile. The
man of God was to purge himself from the latter, to stand apart and not defile
himself with that which was false and corrupt. This is a principle of
all-importance, which the Lord has given us in His word. He allowed the evil to
display itself in apostolic times, so far as to give occasion for the
establishment of this principle by revelation, as that which was to govern the
Christian. The unity of the assembly is so precious, it has such authority over
the heart of man, that there was danger, when failure had set in, lest the
desire for outward unity should induce even the faithful to accept evil and
walk in fellowship with it, rather than break this unity. The principle
therefore of individual faithfulness, of individual responsibility to God, is
established, and set above all other considerations; for it has to do with the
nature of God Himself, and His own authority over the conscience of the individual.
God knoweth them that are His: here is the ground of confidence. I do not say
who are. And let those that name the name of Jesus separate themselves from all
evil. Here I get what I can recognize. To maintain in practice the possibility
of union between that name and evil is to blaspheme it.
The whole of that which calls itself christian is looked
at here as a great house. The Christian is of it outwardly, in spite of
himself; for he calls himself a Christian, and the great house is all that
calls itself christian. But he cleanses himself personally from every vessel
which is not to the Lord's honour. This is the rule of christian faithfulness;
and thus personally cleansed from fellowship with evil, he shall be a vessel
unto honour fit for the Master's use. Whatsoever is contrary to the honour of
Christ, in those who bear His name, is that from which he is to separate
himself.
Discipline for individual faults is not the subject here,
nor the restoration of souls in an assembly that has in part lost its
spirituality; but a line of conduct for the individual Christian in respect of
that which dishonors the Lord in any way.
These instructions are solemn and important. That which
makes them needful is sorrowful in its nature; but it all helps to exhibit the
faithfulness and grace of God. The direction is plain, and precious when we
find ourselves in similar circumstances. Individual responsibility can never
cease.
When the Holy Ghost acts energetically and triumphs over
the power of the enemy, these individuals who are gathered together in the
assembly develop their life in it according to God and His presence, and the
spiritual power which exists in the whole body acts upon the conscience, if
needed, and guides the heart of the believer: so that the individual and the
assembly flow on together under the same influence. The Holy Ghost, who is
present in the assembly, sustains the individual at the height of God's own
presence. Strangers even are obliged to confess that God is there. Love and
holiness reign. When the effect of this power is no longer found in the
assembly, and by degrees Christendom no longer answers to the character of the
assembly as God formed it, yet the responsibility of the individual to God has
not ceased on that account. It can never either cease or diminish, for the
authority and the rights of God Himself over the soul are at stake.
But in a case like this, that which calls itself
Christian is no longer a guide, and the individual is bound to conform himself
to the will of God, by the power of the Spirit, according to the light he has
from God.
God may gather the faithful together. It is grace on His
part; it is also His mind. But individual responsibility remains-responsibility
not to break the unity, feeble as it may be, wherever it is possible according
to God: but responsibility to preserve the divine character of Christianity in
our walk, and to respond to the revelation we have received of His nature and
of His will.
By purging himself from all those who are unto dishonour,
the servant of God shall be unto honour, sanctified and prepared for every good
work. For this separation from evil is not merely negative; it is the effect of
the realisation of the word of God in the heart. I then understand what the
holiness of God is, His rights over my heart, the incompatibility of His nature
with evil. I feel that I dwell in Him and He in me; that Christ must be
honoured at all costs; that that which is like Him alone honours Him; that His
nature and His rights over me are the only rule of my life. That which thus
separates me unto Him, and according to what He is, separates me thereby from
evil. One cannot walk with those who dishonour Him, and, at the same time,
honour Him in one's own walk.
That which follows shews the sanctifying character of
this exhortation. The apostle says, "Flee also youthful lusts; but seek
righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a
pure heart." This is to breathe the pure atmosphere which is found in the
Lord's presence; in which the soul enjoys health and strength. All that
corrupts is far away. And, further, we find, what is so often contested, that
we can and are to distinguish those who call on the name of the Lord out of a
pure heart. We do not decide who are the Lord's: He knows them. But we are to
associate ourselves with those who manifest themselves, such as call on the
Lord out of a pure heart. Those I am to know, own, and walk with. The statement
that I cannot know who these are, is in defiance of an express rule of scripture,
applicable to a state where, through corruption, many who may possess
Christianity are not so manifested. As we find throughout these epistles, the
apostle exhorts to avoid vain questions, in which there is no divine
instruction. They only produce barren discussions and strife; and the servant
of the Lord is not to strive. He comes, on God's part, to bring the truth in
peace and love. He is to maintain this character in the expectation that God,
in His grace, will give repentance to those who oppose (for it is the heart and
conscience that are in question), that they may acknowledge the truth.
The truth of God is not a thing of human understanding;
it is the revelation of that which God is, and of His counsels. Now we cannot
have to do with God without the heart and conscience being engaged. It is not
the revelation to us of God, if this is not the case. Christians are brought
into connection with the divine Being Himself, and in acts which ought to have
the most powerful effect on the heart and conscience; if they do not, both the
one and the other are in a bad state and hardened. The Spirit of God, no doubt
acts on the understanding and by it; but the truth lodged in it is addressed to
the conscience and to the heart, and if these are not reached by the truth,
nothing is done. Nor indeed is anything really understood till they are. For in
divine truth things are understood before words, as " born again."
(compare John 8:43) On the other hand, by means of error, by occupying the mind
with the error, Satan shuts God out of it, and leads the whole man captive, so
that he does the will of that enemy to the soul.
[1] Read
"laboring first."
[2]
This, while a profound source of comfort, is a proof of decline; for men ought
to know who are the Lord's too. It is not, "The Lord added daily to the
assembly such as should be saved."
── John Darby《Synopsis of 2 Timothy》
2 Timothy 2
Chapter Contents
The apostle exhorts Timothy to persevere with diligence,
like a soldier, a combatant, and a husbandman. (1-7) Encouraging him by
assurances of a happy end of his faithfulness. (8-13) Warnings to shun vain
babblings and dangerous errors. (14-21) Charges to flee youthful lusts, and to
minister with zeal against error, but with meekness of spirit. (22-26)
Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:1-7
(Read 2 Timothy 2:1-7)
As our trials increase, we need to grow stronger in that
which is good; our faith stronger, our resolution stronger, our love to God and
Christ stronger. This is opposed to our being strong in our own strength. All
Christians, but especially ministers, must be faithful to their Captain, and
resolute in his cause. The great care of a Christian must be to please Christ.
We are to strive to get the mastery of our lusts and corruptions, but we cannot
expect the prize unless we observe the laws. We must take care that we do good
in a right manner, that our good may not be spoken evil of. Some who are
active, spend their zeal about outward forms and doubtful disputations. But
those who strive lawfully shall be crowned at last. If we would partake the
fruits, we must labour; if we would gain the prize, we must run the race. We
must do the will of God, before we receive the promises, for which reason we
have need of patience. Together with our prayers for others, that the Lord
would give them understanding in all things, we must exhort and stir them up to
consider what they hear or read.
Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:8-13
(Read 2 Timothy 2:8-13)
Let suffering saints remember, and look to Jesus, the
Author and Finisher of their faith, who for the joy that was set before him,
endured the cross, despised the shame, and is now set down at the right hand of
the throne of God. We must not think it strange if the best men meet with the
worst treatment; but this is cheering, that the word of God is not bound. Here
we see the real and true cause of the apostle's suffering trouble in, or for,
the sake of the gospel. If we are dead to this world, its pleasures, profits,
and honours, we shall be for ever with Christ in a better world. He is faithful
to his threatenings, and faithful to his promises. This truth makes sure the
unbeliever's condemnation, and the believer's salvation.
Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:14-21
(Read 2 Timothy 2:14-21)
Those disposed to strive, commonly strive about matters
of small moment. But strifes of words destroy the things of God. The apostle
mentions some who erred. They did not deny the resurrection, but they corrupted
that true doctrine. Yet nothing can be so foolish or erroneous, but it will
overturn the temporary faith of some professors. This foundation has two
writings on it. One speaks our comfort. None can overthrow the faith of any
whom God hath chosen. The other speaks our duty. Those who would have the
comfort of the privilege, must make conscience of the duty Christ gave himself
for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, Titus 2:14. The church of Christ is like a
dwelling: some furniture is of great value; some of smaller value, and put to
meaner uses. Some professors of religion are like vessels of wood and earth.
When the vessels of dishonour are cast out to be destroyed, the others will be
filled with all the fulness of God. We must see to it that we are holy vessels.
Every one in the church whom God approves, will be devoted to his Master's
service, and thus fitted for his use.
Commentary on 2 Timothy 2:22-26
(Read 2 Timothy 2:22-26)
The more we follow that which is good, the faster and the
further we shall flee from that which is evil. The keeping up the communion of
saints, will take us from fellowship with unfruitful works of darkness. See how
often the apostle cautions against disputes in religion; which surely shows
that religion consists more in believing and practising what God requires, than
in subtle disputes. Those are unapt to teach, who are apt to strive, and are
fierce and froward. Teaching, not persecution, is the Scripture method of
dealing with those in error. The same God who gives the discovery of the truth,
by his grace brings us to acknowledge it, otherwise our hearts would continue
to rebel against it. There is no "peradventure," in respect of God's
pardoning those who do repent; but we cannot tell that he will give repentance
to those who oppose his will. Sinners are taken in a snare, and in the worst
snare, because it is the devil's; they are slaves to him. And if any long for
deliverance, let them remember they never can escape, except by repentance,
which is the gift of God; and we must ask it of him by earnest, persevering
prayer.
── Matthew Henry《Concise Commentary on 2 Timothy》
2 Timothy 2
Verse 2
[2] And
the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit
thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.
The things —
The wholesome doctrine, 2 Timothy 1:13.
Commit —
Before thou leavest Ephesus. To faithful men, who will be able, after thou art
gone, to teach others.
Verse 4
[4] No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that
he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.
No man that warreth entangleth himself — Any more than is unavoidable.
In the affairs of this life — With worldly business or cares.
That —
Minding war only, he may please his captain. In this and the next verse there
is a plain allusion to the Roman law of arms, and to that of the Grecian games.
According to the former, no soldier was to engage in any civil employment;
according to the latter, none could be crowned as conqueror, who did not keep
strictly to the rules of the game.
Verse 6
[6] The
husbandman that laboureth must be first partaker of the fruits.
Unless he labour first, he will reap no
fruit.
Verse 8
[8]
Remember that Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according
to my gospel:
Of the seed of David — This one genealogy attend to.
Verse 9
[9] Wherein I suffer trouble, as an evil doer, even unto bonds; but the word
of God is not bound.
Is not bound —
Not hindered in its course.
Verse 10
[10]
Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain
the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
Therefore —
Encouraged by this, that "the word of God be not bound." I endure all
things - See the spirit of a real Christian? Who would not wish to be
likeminded? Salvation is deliverance from all evil; glory, the enjoyment of all
good.
Verse 11
[11] It
is a faithful saying: For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him:
Dead with him —
Dead to sin, and ready to die for him.
Verse 12
[12] If
we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:
If we deny him — To
escape suffering for him.
Verse 13
[13] If
we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.
If we believe not —
That is, though some believe not, God will make good all his promises to them
that do believe.
He cannot deny himself — His word cannot fail.
Verse 14
[14] Of
these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they
strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
Remind them —
Who are under thy charge. O how many unnecessary things are thus unprofitably,
nay hurtfully, contended for.
Verse 15
[15]
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.
A workman that needeth not to be ashamed — Either of unfaithfulness or unskilfulness.
Rightly dividing the word of truth — Duly explaining and applying the whole scripture, so as to give each
hearer his due portion. But they that give one part of the gospel to all (the
promises and comforts to unawakened, hardened, scoffing men) have real need to
be ashamed.
Verse 16
[16] But
shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.
They — Who
babble thus will grow worse and worse.
Verse 17
[17] And
their word will eat as doth a canker: of whom is Hymenaeus and Philetus;
And their word — If
they go on, will be mischievous as well as vain, and will eat as a gangrene.
Verse 18
[18] Who
concerning the truth have erred, saying that the resurrection is past already;
and overthrow the faith of some.
Saying the resurrection is already past — Perhaps asserting that it is only the spiritual passing from death unto
life.
Verse 19
[19]
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord
knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ
depart from iniquity.
But the foundation of God — His truth and faithfulness.
Standeth fast —
Can never be overthrown; being as it were sealed with a seal, which has an
inscription on each side: on the one, The Lord knoweth those that are his; on
the other, Let every one who nameth the name of the Lord, as his Lord, depart
from iniquity. Indeed, they only are his who depart from iniquity. To all
others he will say, "I know you not." Matthew 7:22,23
Verse 20
[20] But
in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of
wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
But in a great house — Such as the church, it is not strange that there are not only vessels of
gold and silver, designed for honourable uses, but also of wood and of earth -
For less honourable purposes. Yet a vessel even of gold may be put to the
vilest use, though it was not the design of him that made it.
Verse 21
[21] If a
man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour,
sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.
If a man purge himself from these — Vessels of dishonour, so as to have no fellowship with them.
Verse 22
[22] Flee
also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them
that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
Flee youthful desires — Those peculiarly incident to youth.
Follow peace with them — Unity with all true believers. Out of a pure heart-Youthful desires,
destroy this purity: righteousness, faith, love, peace, accompany it.
Verse 24
[24] And
the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to
teach, patient,
A servant of the Lord must not — Eagerly or passionately.
Strive — As
do the vain wranglers spoken of, verse 23.
But be apt to teach —
Chiefly by patience and unwearied assiduity.
Verse 25
[25] In
meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will
give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;
In meekness — He
has often need of zeal, always of meekness.
If haply God —
For it is wholly his work.
May give them repentance — The acknowledging of the truth would then quickly follow.
Verse 26
[26] And
that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken
captive by him at his will.
Who — At
present are not only captives, but asleep; utterly insensible of their
captivity.
── John Wesley《Explanatory Notes on 2 Timothy》
Chapter 2. Be Strong in Service
Able to Teach
Not Resentful
I. Good
Soldiers of Christ Jesus
II. A Workman
Approved by God
III. Turn Away
from Wickedness
── Chih-Hsin
Chang《An Outline of
The New Testament》
Chapter Two General Review
OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER
1) To appreciate the need for endurance and faithfulness to the will of Christ 2) To note the warnings against profane and vain babblings, foolish and ignorant disputes 3) To consider how the servant of the Lord can be a vessel for honor, useful for the Master and prepared for every good work SUMMARY
Paul continues with exhortations to Timothy in this chapter, with anemphasis on endurance and diligence. Encouraging him to be strong inthe grace that is in Christ Jesus, Paul then charges Timothy to commitwhat he has learned to faithful men who can pass it along (1-2). Using the illustrations of a soldier, athlete, and farmer, Paul exhortsTimothy to endure hardship, to be faithful, and to work hard. Writingof his own endurance in hardship, Paul stresses the need to be true tothe Lord (3-13). The last half of the chapter is devoted to telling Timothy how to be"useful to the Master", a worker who does not need to be ashamed. Withwarnings to shun profane and vain babblings, and avoiding foolish and ignorant disputes, Paul reminds Timothy of things he should flee (youthful lusts) and what he should pursue (righteousness, faith, love,peace). Properly handling the word of truth, and correcting others with gentleness and humility, Timothy can truly be a servant of the Lord who is prepared for every good work, especially when dealing withthose who have been ensnared by the devil (14-26). OUTLINE
I. EXHORTATION TO TRANSMIT THE TRUTH TO OTHERS (1-2)
A. A PLEA TO BE STRONG (1) 1. Directed to Timothy as his son (1a ) 2. To be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus (1b) B. COMMIT WHAT HE HAS HEARD TO FAITHFUL MEN (2) 1. Those things he heard from Paul among many witnesses (2a ) 2. Commit to faithful men who will be able to teach others (2b) II. EXHORTATION TO ENDURE HARDSHIP (3-13)
A. AS A SOLDIER, ATHLETE, AND FARMER (3-7) 1. Endure hardship as good soldier of Jesus Christ (3) a. Not entangled with the affairs of this life (4a ) b. That he might please the One who enlisted him (4b) 2. As an athlete, follow the rules of competition in order to win (5) 3. It is the hard-working farmer who will be the first to partake of his crops (6) 4. May the Lord give him understanding as he considers what Paul is saying (7) B. THE EXAMPLE OF PAUL HIMSELF (8-13) 1. Remember that Jesus was raised from the dead, according to the gospel (8) a. For which Paul suffered trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains (9a ) b. Yet the word of God was not chained (9b) 2. Paul endured all things for the sake of the elect (10a ) a. That they might obtain the salvation in Christ Jesus with eternal glory (10b) b. A faithful saying to encourage us to endure hardship (11-13) 1) If we died with Christ, we shall live with Him 2) If we endure, we shall also reign with Him 3) If we deny Him, He will also deny us 4) If we are faithless, He remains faithful for He cannot deny Himself III. EXHORTATION TO DILIGENCE AS A SERVANT OF THE LORD (14-26)
A. INSTRUCTIONS RELATED TO HIS WORK (14-19) 1. Remind others, charging them not to strive about words (14) a. Words that do not profit b. Words that only produce ruin of the hearers 2. Be diligent to present yourself approved to God (15) a. As a worker who does not need to be ashamed b. As a worker who rightly divides the word of truth 3. Shun profane and vain babblings (16-18) a. For they only increase to more ungodliness (16) b. For their message will spread like cancer (17a ) 1) Hymenaeus and Philetus are example (17b) 2) Who have overthrown the faith of some by saying the resurrection is already past (18) 4. God's solid foundation stands, having this seal: a. The Lord knows those who are His (19a ) b. Let those who name the name of Christ depart from iniquity (19b) B. INSTRUCTIONS FOR BEING USEFUL TO THE MASTER (20-26) 1. A great house has all kinds of vessels, some for honor and some for dishonor (20) 2. If anyone cleanses himself from things of dishonor, he will be a vessel of honor (21) a. Sanctified and useful for the Master b. Prepared for every good work 3. Instructions that will make one a servant useful to the Master: a. Flee youthful lusts (22a ) b. Pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart (22b) c. Avoid foolish and ignorant disputes that generate strife (23) d. Do not quarrel, but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient (24) e. In humility correct those in opposition (25-26) 1) Perhaps God will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth (25) 2) Perhaps they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil who has taken them captive to do his will (26) REVIEW QUESTIONS FOR THE CHAPTER
1) What are the main points of this chapter?
- Exhortation to transmit the truth to others (1-2) - Exhortation to endure hardship (3-13) - Exhortation to diligence as a servant of the Lord (14-26) 2) In what did Paul want Timothy to be strong? (1)
- The grace that is in Christ Jesus 3) What did Paul want Timothy to do with the things Paul had taught him? (2)
- Commit them to faithful men who would teach others 4) What three illustrations does Paul use to encourage Timothy to endure hardship and to work hard? (3-6)
- Those of a soldier, an athlete, and a farmer 5) What did Paul want Timothy to remember? (8)
- That Jesus Christ was raised from the dead 6) What did Paul suffer in behalf of the gospel? Did it hinder thegospel? (9)
- Trouble as an evil doer, even to the point of chains - No 7) Why was Paul willing to endure all things? (10)
- For the sake of the elect, that they also might obtain salvation with eternal glory